It feels almost as if the world stood still to mark the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday.
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch ever, her passing the week before last truly signaled the end of one era and the beginning of a new one.
For the vast majority of people in the UK, there has never been a monarch not named Elizabeth. At least not in living memory.
Arguably one of the most well-loved, well-respected figureheads in history, Queen Elizabeth sat the English throne for an incredible 70 years, overcoming trials and tribulations and retaining poise and dignity until the very end.
Yet Father Time comes for queen and pauper alike. Last week marked the end to a glittering reign that began all the way back in February, 1952.
The word first broke regarding the Queen’s death on Thursday, the week before last. Worrying reports had emerged during the day suggesting that she was in ill health, then the serious nature of the rumors was confirmed when royals from all over the UK and beyond began to make their way to the monarch’s Balmoral home.
In a statement last Thursday evening, Buckingham Palace said:
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
The flag atop Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast at 6:30 p.m. local time, while an official notice announcing the Queen’s death was posted on the gates to the palace, as is tradition.
The Queen’s eldest son and heir, Charles – the former Prince of Wales – has now become King of the United Kingdom and the 14 Commonwealth realms.
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“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” King Charles said in a statement.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
King Charles added: “During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
Indeed, much of the world stood still yesterday to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth as she made the journey to her final resting place. 2,000 people, many of them world leaders and other important dignitaries, were in attendance for the funeral, while the Royal Family were said to have held their own private ceremony later on in the day.
It should go without saying that the Queen’s funeral was a grand affair, one watched by millions of people across the globe. From every corner they tuned in to mark the historical moment, while the sheer weight of the coverage meant that absolutely nothing was missed.
That includes the other members of the Royal Family, forced to stand under scrutiny for the entirety of the ceremony.
It can’t have been easy. Burying a loved one is never simple, but the presence of cameras and the knowledge that the world was watching can only have made it all the more difficult.
Spare a thought, then, for the youngest generation of royals.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte were among the royal children in attendance at Westminster Abbey, and the latter certainly drew her share of attention.
The 7-year-old Charlotte donned all black, matching her mother Kate Middleton, and was seen wearing a hat and a small diamond brooch in the shaper of a horseshoe – most probably a tribute to her illustrious late great-grandmother.
Commentators watching the event observed how Princess Charlotte bowed her head in honor of the Queen, and in doing so looked many years beyond her age.
PEOPLE Magazine told how William and Kate had carefully decided whether or not to bring George and Charlotte, their two eldest children, with them for the service.
Naturally, Prince George and Princess Charlotte moved up the line of succession after Queen Elizabeth’s death. George is now second in line, after his father, while Charlotte is one behind him.
Watch Princess Charlotte’s touching tribute in the video below:
Are you a fan of the Royal Family? Are you going to miss Queen Elizabeth now that she’s passed away?
Let us know your thoughts and feelings about the different members of the Royal Family in the comments box.
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